Towards a Theory of Information Systems Outsourcing Risk

Abstract

Information systems outsourcing risks are a vital component in the decision and management process associated to the provision of information systems and technology services by a provider to a customer. Although there is a rich literature on information systems outsourcing risks, the accumulated knowledge on this area is fragmented. In view of this situation, an argument is put forward on the usefulness of having a theory that integrates the various constructs related to information systems outsourcing risks. This study aims to contribute towards the synthesis of that theory, by proposing a conceptual scheme for interpreting the literature and presenting a preliminary version of a catalog of information systems outsourcing risks. Proposals for subsequent work towards the generation of the theory of information systems outsourcing risk are suggested.

Impact of IT Multisourcing on vendor opportunistic behaviour - A research framework

“…Vendor opportunistic behaviour remains a key concern in ITO practice and is relevant across various IT services such as IT infrastructure (e.g., Chang et al (2017)) and software development (e.g., Gefen et al (2008)). Recent studies highlight various 'vendor risks' for clients including other behavioural risks arising in multisourcing such as vendors blaming each other for failures, scope for collusive activities of vendors and free-riding, which are yet to be fully understood (Bunker et al 2016;de Sá-Soares et al 2014;Wiener and Saunders 2014). Several forms of vendor opportunistic behaviour exist, and the mechanisms focussed to mitigate one form may be ineffective for the other forms (Clemons and Hitt 2004;Mathew and Chen 2013).…”